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The Lagos State government has clarified the cause of Tuesday’s deadly fire at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, which claimed several lives.
At a press briefing, Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso said investigations showed the blaze originated from inverter batteries in the basement of the six-storey commercial building.
Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Safety Commission, explained that victims died after inhaling smoke while trying to escape.
“Smoke spread rapidly from the basement across all floors, overwhelming many occupants despite working safety systems. No victim died from burns,” he said.
Mojola urged high-rise owners to obtain proper certification to prevent similar tragedies.
Margaret Adeseye, head of the Fire and Rescue Service, said her team arrived within 20 minutes of the distress call, confirming the fire began in the basement inverter room.
She noted that some victims ignored escape routes in panic.
Dr. Wuraola Makinde, Director of LASAMBUS, said survivors received prompt treatment, with several discharged to their families.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) confirmed the loss of four senior staff members, while United Capital Plc said six employees had died, describing them as “an integral part of our company and family.”
Authorities expressed sympathy to the victims’ families and traders at Central Plaza, near Mandilas Market, who also suffered losses in a separate blaze.
Officials stressed that investigations are ongoing and safety protocols will be strengthened across high-rise buildings to avert future disasters.
